Who is Madonna's new Jamaican-born boyfriend Akeem Morris? Footballer, 28, first met the pop icon, 65, on a Paper magazine shoot in 2022 before starting their 37-year age gap romance

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Madonna has stepped out with her new boyfriend Akeem Morris months after splitting with her last boyfriend earlier this year.

The new couple, who have a 37 year age gap, were seen walking arm-in-arm in Italy's Portofino this week ahead of the pop icon's 66th birthday.

Madonna is believed to be celebrating the day at a private Dolce & Gabbana estate and Akeem will be by her side, according to local Italian press.

However, it has been revealed that the Jamaican-born footballer has actually been in her life for a while, after they previously appeared in a magazine shoot together.

Madonna, 65, and her new boyfriend Akeem, 28, both featured in the same Paper magazine shoot, which was published in August 2022.

The Like A Virgin singer was most recently linked to Josh Popper, 30, however sources close to Madonna claimed their romance 'fizzled out'.

After appearing in Paper together, Madonna and Akeem weren't seen together again until July 2024, when the musician posted him on her Instagram.

Madonna shared pictures of herself cuddling up to Akeen on July 4 as they celebrated the holiday together in New York City.

She later posted a picture of herself in bed with Akeem amongst a 'dump' of images on her social media, which was captioned: 'Hot Fun In The Summer Time'.

At the time, Akeem's ex-girlfriend shared videos to her TikTok page about his blossoming romance with Madonna.

Sharing her feelings about the relationship, she said: 'Put a finger down if your boyfriend of 3 years is now dating Madonna #madonna #breakup #wtf #2024 #heartbreak.'

Akeem, who was born on May 2 1996, now lives in New York after being born in Jamaica.

Akeem has a degree in political science and government after studying at Stony Brook University between 2014 and 2017.

During his time at university, Akeem played soccer and also was a forward for Oyster Bay United football club, according to ESPN. 

Akeem shares snippets of his life in Manhattan and Brooklyn on his Instagram page, revealing interests in fashion, partying and lifestyle.

His most recent post, a selfie shared on July 25, was 'liked' by the superstar. 

Madonna and Akeem's Paper magazine project was titled Madonna Is the Wildest Party Favor and included an interview conducted by Nile Rodgers.

It followed her surprise roller disco party in Central Park at the Chic co-founder's DiscOasis.

The photoshoot was at Sugar Hill Supper Club in Brooklyn and captured a wild night out in the city, where she was joined by up and coming artists.

One of the artists was Akeem, who was seen partying with Madonna and the others in the photos and video clips.

Akeem shared a post about the shoot on his Instagram page, which he captioned: 'Jus a yute from Spanish Town. Thank you for the opportunity. @madonna @papermagazine.'

Their July 4 celebrations took place recently at at Le Bain at The Standard in the Big Apple and snippets from the night showed them larking about on the balcony.

On her own post from the night, Madonna wrote: 'Happy 4th of July! A year ago today, I had just come home from the hospital after surviving a life threatening illness, I could barely stand in my backyard holding one sparkler. 

'I made a miraculous recovery and had an amazing year. Thank you God. Life is beautiful!,' Madonna captioned her post, which showed her and Morris watching fireworks.